Just Like a Girl: How Girls Learn to Be Women : From the Seventies to the Nineties

by Sue Sharpe

Society creates an illusion of equal opportunity while it continues to reinforce women's traditional role at home.

Much is spoken today of the changing role of women, but for working-class girls there has been little change. They are still brought up to marry, have children and care for their homes, husbands and families. It is assumed that they should seek jobs, but these must always take second place.

Basing her work on the results of research in four London schools, Sue Sharpe describes and analyzes in this book the many ways in which society constrains women. She reveals a narrow adherence to the conventional 'feminine' role and expectations, expressed through girls' upbringing, education and beliefs, both at home and at school, but she also uncovers a growing self-awareness. Many of the girls she spoke to - whose words are reproduced here - were beginning to look outside the role of wife and mother and confront the contradictory images which society presents to them. Although it is hard for them to resist the pressures to conform, their awakening interest in their own futures will sow the seeds of a new identity for women.

Genres: Nonfiction

315 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Melissa]

Boys would enjoy this book, too.

[Nur · Rating 2 out of 5]

not bad, their views and ideas on women rights :)